Katra ropeway should not impact the livelihood of locals: J&K Cong chief

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday said the construction of the proposed ropeway to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district should not impact the livelihood of local people.

The issue of ropeway on Tarakote route, which will directly connect Katra town with the shrine located in the Trikuta Hills and reduce the journey from 4-5 hours to only six minutes, has come under criticism after protests by local shopkeepers and owners of ponies and palanquins. They fear loss of business once the ropeway is completed.

Addressing a meeting of district presidents and other party leaders, Karra said that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, should first take care of 40,000 people whose livelihood is completely dependent upon yatra, including local shopkeepers, pony service providers and labourers.

He said it is incumbent upon the L-G to devise a method where concerns of all the stakeholders are taken care of. He said the L-G should device a way which balances the facilities for pilgrims on one hand and on the other ensures that livelihood of the local people is not impacted. Karra also stressed upon the urgent need to restart Darbar Move which is “economy engine for Jammu and generate thousands of jobs for local people”.

“J&K has the unique distinction of having two capitals. Darbar Move brings cultural, economic, religious exchange among the regions, which is essence of brotherhood and harmony. It has a history of 152 years dating back to 1872. End of traditional practice brings sufferings and unemployment to the region. It is the demand of general public to restart historical Darbar Move, as it will boost the economy, tourism and generate thousands of jobs for locals” he said.

Congress working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, district presidents of Jammu region and others were present during the meeting. Karra held a day-long interaction with the leaders in which he took the feedback about the organisational affairs and party structure at the district level. He listened to the views of the leaders and assured them that necessary steps would be taken to strengthen the organisational structure.